Prince George – Hopewell Military Wall of Honor

This Military Wall of Honor page recognizes those from Prince George and Hopewell that died while serving their country in military duty starting with the War of 1812, by preserving their picture, gravesite picture or memorial picture where available. This Wall, consisting of over 150 individuals, is based on names listed on the Prince George War Memorial Monument, the Hopewell War Memorial Monument and the Library of Virginia military death records, as well as other resources.

Memorial Day

The organization “U.S. Memorial Day” provides the history and purpose of Memorial Day as follows: “Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America.” Memorial Day observances, in various forms and on various dates, were practiced as far back as the American Civil War. The current official Memorial Day observance date was set in 1971 to be the last Monday in May. Furthermore, on May 3, 2000, the White House issued a memorandum stating “Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values.” For information about Memorial Day Observance at the Heritage Center, go to the Events page.

Gold Star Families

The U.S. Army official website states “The term Gold Star family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag. These flags/banners were first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the armed forces of the United States were engaged. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. This allowed members of the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom.” In the Preface of the “Gold Star Honor Roll of Virginians in the Second World War” states that those listed in the book includes those who died from any cause whatsoever while serving in the armed forces including certain civilian organizations auxiliary to the armed forces. Although Gold Star families are typically honored on Memorial Day and other days of the year, they are considered Gold Star every day of the year and as long as the family members remain. The purpose of the Prince George – Hopewell Military Wall of Honor is to honor the deceased and continue the practice of recognizing the Gold Star families.

Veterans Day

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs documents on their website that Veterans Day had its origins from World War I. It was originally called Armistice Day and observed on November 11 each year, in recognition of the World War I cease fire or armistice date, which occurred on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. In June 1954, November 11th officially became a day to honor American veterans of all wars, both living and deceased, and has since been known as Veterans Day. For information about Veterans Day Observance at the Heritage Center, go to the Events page.

Wall of Honor List

Below is the Military Wall of Honor list for Prince George and Hopewell, Virginia. Each name that appears in blue is a link to that individual's Wall with details about that person. Where available, a photograph of the individual is included, otherwise a photograph of their cemetery headstone or the missing in action memorial where they are honored is included. For some individuals, more detailed accounts of their life and service can be accessed by a clickable button at the bottom of their Wall.
NOTE: For those that we do not have a picture of the person or the picture quality is not good on their Wall, contact us at info@princegeorgevahistoricalsociety.org if you know where we can get a picture or better picture of any individual.